As we begin a new year, let us turn our efforts to making a better future for ourselves and residents to come. For the last 12 months, the City has held a series of meetings to create a framework for redeveloping the Clybourn Industrial Corridor aka North Branch Industrial Corridor or Finkl Steel Site. Absent from the recap of the last meeting is the consistent voice of the public calling for recreational space. (See the most recent report here.)

That is why 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins and I have called for recreational park space in the Clybourn Corridor. The Chicago Tribune published our op-ed on December 22nd. The full Op-Ed is here.

A final DPD meeting will soon be scheduled. I urge you to attend to keep the focus on creating public recreational space in the soon-to-be-redeveloped Industrial Corridor. The City needs to hear about the need for meaningful recreational space from neighbors, athletes, and coaches of every sport before allowing private development to be the primary beneficiary. Keep an eye out for the final meeting information which I will publish in my newsletter.

This once-in-a-generation moment falls on our watch. With your collective support, I believe we can make a difference. Please send your comments to dpd@cityofchicago.org with a copy to yourvoice@ward43.org.